Comments on the Cryptogam Vegetation in Front of Glaciers in the Teton Range

TitleComments on the Cryptogam Vegetation in Front of Glaciers in the Teton Range
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1981
AuthorsSpence JR
JournalBryologist
Volume84
Pagination564-568
ISBN Number0007-2745
Abstract

The cryptogamic vegetation on neoglacial till at eleven sites in the Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, was investigated. Nine of the sites are moraines fronting glaciers, while two sites are rock glaciers. The distribution and abundance of terricolous cryptogams is strongly correlated with aspect: north and northeast facing sites support better developed vegetation than south and southeast facing sites. Distribution of saxicolous lichens is controlled more by substrate age and type than aspect. The steep moraine slopes are too dry and unstable to allow the establishment of terricolous cryptogams.